Related

In one of the worst attacks of its kind, Maoists in West Bengal killed 24 jawans of the Eastern Frontier Rifle at Sildha in West Midnapore district on Monday.
At least 100 Maoists armed with sophisticated weapons drove into Sildha on motorcycles and four-wheelers. They exploded landmines n

In one of the worst attacks of its kind, Maoists in West Bengal killed 24 jawans of the Eastern Frontier Rifle at Sildha in West Midnapore district on Monday.

At least 100 Maoists armed with sophisticated weapons drove into Sildha on motorcycles and four-wheelers. They exploded landmines near the Silda camp before barging inside with a volley of fire around 5.30 pm.

Some of the jawans were burnt alive when the Maoists set the camp on fire. Another 26 have been reported missing after the attack.

The Maoists have also planted landmines around the area which is hampering rescue operations.

"We have attacked the camp and this is our answer to Chidambaram's 'Operation Green Hunt' and unless the Centre stops this inhuman military operation we are going to answer this way only," Kishenji said from an undisclosed location.

The attack took most of the jawans by surprise as they were either "whiling away their time in the camp or were busy in the kitchen cooking", a senior police officer said.

"The Maoists engaged in an initial exchange of fire with the sentries who repulsed the attack, but then the ultras outnumbered the jawans and barged into the camp setting it on fire," the officer said.

According to Nigam night vision force with anti-landmine vehicles have been rushed to the camp from nearby Binpur.

Kishenji, on the other hand, claimed there were at least 35 Eastern Frontier jawans who had been liquidated and they had looted sophisticated arms including AK-47, SLR and mortars from the camp which they set ablaze.

He did not give the number of Maoists who took part in the attack and threatened to repeat the attacks, if needed.

Maoist, CRPF exchange fire in Jharkhand

Maoists opened fire on a police station in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district on Monday night, police said.

A group of Maoists opened fire at Bodam police station following which the CRPF personnel retaliated, they said.

CRPF firing forced them to retreat into the forests, police said, adding there was no casualty in the incident.

-With input from PTI

Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn't like in the comments